Scorpion in Grand Canyon

We encountered this extra-large scorpion on the Bright Angel trail, at about elevation 5200 feet. This individual was the biggest I have ever seen, even bigger than this one in Death Valley. From claws to tip of tail, its length was about 6 inches!

There are many cool animals that you are much more likely to see if you hike the trail at night. But use a flashlight because you will wind up stepping on creatures like this if you try to hike by moonlight.

Click on the photo to see it at 3264x1856. The full-size version has some interesting detail, particularly in the tail and stinger. 01 August 2009.